Apparatus and method for flanging metal-clad fibrous base panels



April 1948. I G. H. NORQUIST 2,439,397

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLANGING METAL CLAD FIBROUS BASE PANELS Filed Nov. 1, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet I I N VEN TOR.

April 13, 1948. s. H.NORQUIST 2,439,397

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLANGING METAL GLAD FIBROUS BASE PANELS Filed Nov. 1, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I I 1 I IN VEN TOR. 9 Z 4 4 filwmfl Jlfaryaz's/ [dd/Md W Patented Apr. 13, 1948 AEPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLANGING METAL-GLAD FIBROUS BASE PANELS Glenn H. Norquist, Jamestown. N. Application November 1, 1944', Serial No. 561,389

. 1 p This invention relates to metal forming, and more particularly to an improved method and mechanism for flanging and ribbingmetal clad panels. i i

Metal clad panels, comprising a .base sheet formed of wood, plywood, fiberboard or other base material having a metal sheet secured to one side thereof, possess qualities which make them highly adapted and useful for fabrication into table tops, shelving, cabinets, counters, packing cases, and like products. In the fabrication of such products from metal clad panels, it is often necessary toform flanges on such panels which extend along two or more sides thereof. I Preparatory to the flanging operation, it is customary to cut grooves in the base sheet and notch out the corner of the panel so as to permit the flanges to be. formed by bending the. metal sheet along a line coincident with the grooves formed in the base sheet. I-Ieretofore the corner notch has been out completely through both the base sheet and the metal sheet so that when the flanges are formed the free ends thereof will meet substantially in abutment. .The adjacent ends of the metal flanges must then be welded or soldered together. Such a corner construction is relatively weak since the ends of the flanges are held together solely by the strength of the weld or solder seam. I

In accordance with this invention, the metal clad panel is prepared for thefianging operation by forming a V-notch in the corner of the base sheet only, leaving the exposed corner metal uncut and unweakened. A crimp is then formed in the uncut and unweakened corner section of the metal sheet, the crimpbeing characterized by fold defining lines in the corner metal along which the metal corner section will fold during the flanging operation to. provide a plural ply reinforcing rib at each corner of the flanged panel. The plural ply reinforcing rib is so formed that. the same will be wedged between the adjacent ends of the adjacent flange sections of the base sheet, forming a strong and sturdy corner construction. The plural ply metal reinforcing rib may be seam-welded so that it will maintain its preformed shape and further enhance the corner strength of the flanged panel. This invention more particularly relates to a method and mechanism for flanging metal clad panels and to the formation of inturned plural ply metal reinforcing ribs at the corners thereof during and substantially simultaneouslywith the flanging operation. The mechanical devices which preform these operations are preferably attached to. a mechanically operated press of a type commonly used in metalworking. These devices include a bed plate which is suitably attached to and supported bythe fixed 'bed block 15 Claims. (cries-23) of the press. The bed plate supports corner dies arranged and spaced to receive the metal clad panel to be flanged therebetween. A pressure block is fixed to the upper reciprocating member of the press and isshaped and arranged to telescope into the area between the spaced corner dies therebelow and to exert pressure on the center or facing section of the panel as the panel is telescoped into the space between the corner dies. The corner dies are provided with shaping surfaces which shape the flanges of the panel to the desired contour as the panel is driven by the pressure block into the space between the cornerdies. The corner dies are further shaped and formed so that the crimped corner sections of the metalsheet will fold along the fold-forming lines therein. provided so that each metal corner section will be shaped into a reinforcing rib defined by connected rib-forming elements extending substantially in parallelism and projecting inwardly between the adjacent ends of the flange sections of the base sheet. The corner ribs take shape as the metal clad panel is pressed into the space between the corner die. members. The ribs are completely formed and the flanges shaped to the desired contour when the upper pressure block has completed its downward travel into the space between the corner die members,

In performing the flanging operation, the metal clad panel isfirst prepared by providing grooves or cuts in the base sheet thereof which definethe flanging sections and the center or facing section ofthepanel. The corner or corners of the basesheet are, notched out in the proper manner. to form inclined ends on the flange sections of thebase sheet, and the exposed. comersof the metal sheet is .crimped to provide the proper fold forming lines therein. The. metal clad panel. which has thus been grooved, notched and crimped, is placed upon the corner die members so that only the flanges thereof rest upon the die members,.with the base sheet facing upwardly. The flanges and corner ribs are fullyformed by the forming surfaces of the corner die members when the panel. is driven into the1 space between the die blocks by .a single downward stroke of the pressure block which may be manually or power-operated.

By associating this improved flanging and ribbing mechanism with a. power-operated mechanical press, metal clad panels may be flanged and ribbed at high production speeds by a single press operator. The corner die members are preferably. made of tool steel, are relatively simple in design, and can be easily made by a toolmaken. The pressure block is preferably made of wood and is provided with suitable means for firm attachment thereof to the reciprocating member of. a press. The die memformed. The'forming-surfaces of the dieblock are accurately shaped and contoured in conformity with the desired contour of the flanges to be formed. This novel ,mecha-n-ism not only;- operates to accurately form th'erpanel-rlanges and inturned corner ribs, but further operates to firmly press the ends of the-fiange-sections of the base sheet firmly against. the-formed, corner ribs projected therebe'tween so that the flanged panel is completely and fully formed-Sim a neat and attractive manner in a single operation. J

An object of thisinvention; is to provide-an improved mechanism; for flan-ging; metal clad panels with precision and accuracy; with a inimum of laborand at low. cost.

Another objector-thisinvention is to provide an improved automatic. mechanism adapted to operate upon metal-clad panel-s and form one or 1 morezfianges and substantially; simultaneously form one or moreeinturned' corner: reinforc mg ribs therein.

A further; object; of; this invention is-to; providean-improved mechanismfor forming flanges and inturnedcorner ribsinimetal clad: panels which is strong. and... sturdy i in" construction, simple andjfoolproof in. operation; and which is adapted-to form said. flanges. and-ribs accurately and. at I high production: speeds.

A vfurtherz-object: of this invention 118.1170. provide. an improved. high: speed methodrfer :flanging and corner-ribbingcmetal ;clad.ipanels.

Other objects and; advantagesof. this invention will bec'omerapparent ass-the. disclosure pro.-' ceeds.

Although the characteristicafeatureseof this 40 invention will. be .particularlyapointedout in! :the elaimsiappen ded :h'ereto, theainvention itself; and the manner in Whiflhuit arriaybeparried. out,.may be better understood:by'referringatoiithe: follow ing description takenrin connectionzwithsthe accoinpanyinga drawings. forming .a part "here'o'f in which 1i Fig. '1 I is a perspective view of. the metal clad panel as itappears whenaipreparedwl'for. flanging and ribbing, thepanelfhavinggrooves'and corner notches formed 1 in; the base i. sheet and crimp forming fold linesformed in the corner sections of the metal which isattached toithe b'ase sheet; Fig. 2 is i an: enlarged fragmentary to -p1an view ofa ccrner=porti0n of-thepreparedmetal clad panel shown 1;

Fig. 3' is anenlarged' fragmentary -edge view of the prepared metal clad panel; as the same appears when viewed alongsline 3-3.-3; of Fi'g.- 2

Fig. 4-is a perspective view of the metal clad no panel as it-appears-when -fianged and-ribbed;

Fig. 5 is an enlsirged fragmentary perspective viewof a -cornerportion of: theflanged panel showing particularly th'e --construction of the corner rib formed from the crimped corner section of-theeunbroken metal liner sheet;

Fig.. 6. is .a transverse. cross-sectional view of the. flangedpanel: as. .it. appears. when viewed along line s.6.of Fig; 4;

Fig.1? is a diagrammatic front elevational view of aomechanicallyzoperated press having ithe improved; 'fianging'ande ribbing attachments. associatedqtherewith; I

Fig. 8 is a.transversecross+sectional.view;.of.

the press: as. it appears .sw-hen" viewed;=along ..line

and ribbing attachments as the same appear when in inoperative position, and viewed along the' verticalwplane indicated by the arrows 9--9 o fzF'ig, 8;. I

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the corner forming die block showing'a prepared metal clad panel positioned. thereon and ready for fianging and ribbing;

Fig. 11 a top plan view of the corner forming die block showing the'metal clad panel telescoped to the-fullextentt into the space between the corner die blocks-andthereby; flanged and ribbed;

Fig. 1-2 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of one of the corner formin die blocks, this view-also showingin dotted lines a-cor-ner portion -of=-the metal clad .panel asi-t appears at an intermediate stage of fianging and ribbing; a fragmentary portion of the-reciprocating pressure-.blockalso being, showniin dottedlines seated upon the main: section: or the pane] being; flanged and ribbed; and i Fig; 1'3 is an:enlarged top;planviewof'the corner die block, thiswiew also: showingzthe panel in dottedrlines as it appears-when fully flanged and ribbed, a fragmentary portion of the pressure block also :being shown in dotted linesiandseated upon the mainsection of. thevpanel' operated upon.-

Similar reference;"characters referfto similar parts throughout .the :several Views ofzthe drawings .and specification.

The metal iclad .parrel' as-prepazted :for fianging and ribbing. is; illustrated; more. particularlyin Figs. ,1 and 2. The lpreparedapanel; to .be operated isformedressentially fromxa base-sheet w of such material as-wood; plywood; or fiberboard having a metalsheet .m firmlyybonded thereto. Th'eprepared panel is provided with: grooves g cut into the base; sheet w, whichtmeet or intersect at points adjacent the corners o'i'thepanelso as to divide the panel-into amain=or -center section c and=ufianged'sections d. Each corner-of the base sheet hasa V'-shaped cut-out*s0 formed so as to provide the flanged sections d thereof with 'mi'tere'dends d-, leaving exposed a-corner section m of the metal faeingsheet. Each-metal corner section m is crii'nped' so as to providearaised ridge or folding-line o extending midway between the ends d of the-fiangedsection dof the base sheet; Fold-lines o 'are'a-lso formedin each cor her -sectionofthe-metalsheet, the folding lines 0' extending parallel with and directly adjacent to the respective free-ends 1i of the flanged sece tion dofth'e ba'se'sheeta Thus it will beobserve'd that a the crimp formed-in the corner section is characterizedby converging foldforming lines o ando" which divide the ex-posedcorner section m of the-metal sheet-into't'wo similar triangular segments,-= which may be--collapsed {together in substantially parallel -extending relationship as shown in- Fig. 5 by the mechanism more particularly hereafter: described "to provide aninw ards lyx extending :.plural .ply I rib which substantially reinforces the;corner con'struction of thefinished flanged fpan'eL:

The mechanisms:andrattachments f or fiangi'ng and: corner ribbing th'eiprepaizedimetal icladpanel.

sure applying assembly'Bwhich' may be associated with a suitable mechanical press C, as

shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 9, to support the forming and shaping assembly A and to reciprocate the pressure applying assembly B in a manner under the control of the operator. The forming and shaping assembly A, as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 13, inclusive, comprises a heavy base plate I, which may rest upon the bed plate I of the press C. The bed plate I00 of the press may rest upon a table framework llll supported upon staunch legs I02 resting on the factoryiloor. The press comprises mechanisms positioned above the base plate I for reciprocating thepressure applying assembly B, which, is comprised essentially of a pressure block 50 positioned above and cooperating with the flange forming and rib forming mechanisms associated with and supportedbythe baseplatel. N ha The base plate I supports on the upper surface thereof one or more corner forming dieblocks indicated generally by the numeral 2. It will be appreciated that a die bloc of the proper construction is provided for each corner oftheflanged panel to be formed. The die blocks are so spaced and positioned as to pennit the panel to be flanged and ribbed to be telescoped within the space defined by said spaced die blocks. Four similar die blocks are illustrated'in the drawings as attached to the base plate I each spaced and positioned to operate upon a prepared rectangular shaped panel to form four flanges extending around the edges of the panel; It will be appreciated, however, that mechanisms constructed'in accordance with this invention are adapted to form one or any desired numberof panel flanges of any desired shape by providing the base plate I with the proper numb'erof forming blocks 2 spaced and arranged in a propermanner to per:- form the desired flanging operation. It will, therefore, be understood that while a set of ,four die blocks} are illustratedin the accompanying drawings arranged to flange all four sides of .a rectangularshaped panel, it, will be appreciated that when the die blocks are shaped, arranged and spaced in accordance with the principles of this invention, any selected flanging operation canbepreformed.

As shown more particularly in FigsJS and 9; each dieblock 2 comprises a supporting block3, which'is attached to the uppersurface of the base plate I as bymetal screws or bolts" 4. Resting upon and firmly secured to the supporting block '3 is a die memberS preferably formed of hardened tool steel, which may be secured to the supporting block 2 in a firm manner as by threaded bolt or welding, or if desiredmay be integrally formed with the supportingblock 2. Each die member 5 is shaped to form the corner of .the flanged paneland is generally angular in shape to present a pair of laterally extendingleg or wing sections. Itwill'be appreciated that the angle defined by the leg sections of the die mem her is such asto accurately conform to the shape of the corner to be formed in the flanged panel. Each die member 5 presentsarelativelyflat top face 6 and an inner forming face I which closely conforms to the angularityof the flange to be formed. The forming face 1 of each of the die members 5 are shown in thedrawings as inclined at an angle of approximately 45 to form flanged panels whose flanges d areinclined approximately 45 to the plane of the center section 0 thereof; It will be appreciated, however, that flanged panels may be formed inwhichthe sheets 6 flanges thereofextend at any desired degree of inclination to the mainsection of the panel by giving the forming face 1 a corresponding inclination.The lower edge ll of the inclined forming face I ofeachdie member terminates in a substantially vertical riser face 8. The inclined forming faoelmeets the flat top face 6 of the die member along a relatively sharp-but noncutting bending edge 9. The forming faces I presented by the angular extending wing sections of each die member Ineet inan inclined corner line 1 ll, which may be relativelysharpor rounded, depending upon the sharpness or roundness of the corner desired in the flanged panel to be formed.

It will be'noted that a [die block 2 having a corner forming die member!) is provided for each corner presented by the flanged panel to be formed. As shown more particularly'in Figs. 10 to 12, inclusivathedie members 5 are, so spaced and formed that the riser surfaces 8 thereof closely conform to the bend'lines g, orotherwise stated, to the edges of the center section 0 of the flanged panelto be fornied. The flat prepared panel when placeduponthe set of die members 5 will initially rest up'on the flat top surfaces 6 of the die members as shown in Fig. 10. Suitable guide stops l Awhichmayproject upwardly from the topfacesi of the die members; may "be provided to effectplacement and registration of the prepared panel when placed by-the operator on the die inem-bers. 'It will be noted that the fiat prepared panel when'pro'perly registered in positionnpon the die members will have'only the fiangedsections (1 thereof in contact with 'the flat surfaces 6 of the die members with the center section thereof c unsupported "and extending over the area whose outline is defined by the edgesl'l of the die members? 3 When downward pressure is exerted on the center sectionc of the prepared flat panel, as by the pressureb lock 5B, the center section 0 of the panelis telescoped downwardly into the area or space defined by'the forming facesTofthe die members. As suchdownward pressure is exerted; the flanged portions of the metal sheet will bend along a line coincident with the" groove lines ,g formedin the base sheet, which bending is accentuated by the bending edges '9 of thedie members The metal faces of the'fiangedseotions being formed will follow and conform to the forming surfaces 1 of the dieYinembers during continuance of thedownward pressure exerted on the center section 0 of the panel. When the outsideface of the center section 0 of thepanel being formed has reached the terminus edge ll of the formingfacesl, the metal faces of the flanged sections d of the panel will be shaped in true conformity with'the"forming faces It During shaping of the flangesit: will be noted that the metal corner sections m" are forced to collapse along the'bend "defining lines o and o". Since theinclined corner I 0 of the forming faces 1 prevent ,themetalporner sections from expanding or blowing outwardly, the metal corner section is forced tofold inwardlyto provide an inturned rib formation. Such inward foldingof the metal corner section is positivelyassured by the pre-crirnping of the f c'orner section which presents the medial raised'ridge ormedial fold line 0. Since a die member 5 is positioned at each corner-of the flanged aner to befornied, the panel being operated upon cannot crawl or shift out ofpla'ce, and since'tlie space defined between theforrning surfaces 1 of thedie mem hers is gradually contracted in areaas the center section is driven dowriwardlyby thqpressure block 511; theexcess metal represented h'e camped-corner sections m"' "arelforcedto f0 iriwardly, .in themanner illustrated m Fig. 1'25 The formingsfaces T of the die mem er's transmit the downward 'pressur'e force iii a direction extend irig towards the inclihed Tcorrier: W or "the founihgfaces the direction of the roree being, ind'i'cated by! the arrows T4 'ain'd l'SfesfilIflLstidtdin Fig.- -12'. When the outside fpc of the reenter section c of the panel being fiehi'ged-heis been driven to exthd ih a-plhe define bKi th'E- -MWGI edges H l of the .fbfmifl gss ll lfcs '1, the crimped metal cornersec'tion our have been c'oi-lopsedlmd folded ihto an inwardly extehtiingorib, as'i'll'ustrated inFigs. 5 and '-'1'3.' v H I The pressure ap-p yin sssemmy; B; as shown more particularly in Fi'gs. '7 a dYQIQ com rise a. pressure b1o'ck-5fi which...is preferably formed "or wood; and has an area which closeljz conforms to the center section nor the flim'gedipanei to be formed' The pressure block Slrh'a'i be reciproca tedby. any desired'm'echanical meeths, such as the mechanical press, illustrated in Fig.

The mechanical press. sh'oWn.in- Fi:g-. '-7 comprises a pair o'f spaced uprightstandords". I03; which rest upon thebase block- I'D'D 'ofth'e press, the standards being. connected a' -ti their upper ends by a-yoke frame PM. A slidefreinie" 1 05118 arranged to reciprocate between the standards 83. As shown ifi Figs; 7'e;nd9,.the s1ideframe N35 has a coll-dr lllefformed therewith, having an interior-socket 1'07 which recei'ves'a stud 52 attached to the pressure block 50' as by screws 53-. Suitable set screws lDBTor other devi'ces may be provided. to.rete,in the stud in thesocket I0 7; The pressure block SD may seat-against the 'lower face of the slide frame 'lDiso-as to transmit the downward. force eXerted byL the-slideframe I05 directlyagaihst the pressure block-59L The slide-frame ma be reciprocated by any desired'mechaLni'smt Asshown inFi; Tier-purposes of illustration, power meansor recipro eating the slide block' 115- maylc'ompii se a crank shaft IW' jt'ournald irrbearing's H 'l, associated with the supporting-I standards! I031". andfa' pair of center bearings I! 2' supported from-theiyoke frame l'ii if Gila-611C1 0) the crank shaift l'i fl r ey be provided with a balaiicih flywheel pulley H3 around'which a drivebe'l-t rhayiextend} andithe other end provided with a -friction brake H} A pair of pit'men 'E'IE are attachedat-oneend thereof to the-prank shaft'fl l f apeat the other end thereof to the slide :irarne l any means-of binge pins H6. V v H Itis', important that theireciproca rting movement 'of'thes pressurebloc-k SU -be uhdr-theiirx mediate controlf-of th operator- A clutcliln operati ely. connects the continuousByrota/tin g drive \fl' ee'l H316 the crank she ft- HQ} The clutch 5251s engagedlo'y a, coritrollfioi-t Iii-supported. by a bracketijz attached tofltheadjecent supporting standard. I103 of the press. The end 02" thecontrol boltJ'zl'is' normally hid .iii n gageirient with the clutch-l 2D loytmeans ofa, compression sprihg'f 2'3. when the control bolt I? I is ih' erigag'emer i'twith the; dutch [20: the crank shaft, Hlll' cioesriotroti r'a, and when thec'ontrol bolt l2i'i withdrawn-from engagement with the clutch 1K1; the crankshaft' (21) will make one comp iete revolution and reciprocate in slide frame H35 oriecorr-ipletestroke} The friction brake -l l 4 i isedjusted to prevent furthen rotation of the crank shaft I In whex ndiserigaged b the clutch l2fl frorh the drivewheeL-l-H; The-lower endof the control bolt I2! is connected to a co'n'tiqoi Irodi'l'ZFcorinectedto-e; rost lever fl 23, one e'ndfioffwhich 1s pivotallyiirioiihted as by a pin time the adjeceh't l gofthe press; A 'foot'pad 1284s atfia'ch'edto the other enact the root'leve {23" audio cb'hit n intlfii'QrYQJhEeii SNtHSJt the root IeVerIZ'G mfay be depressed b'y the ro' tor the operato'r'to withdraw the casual but": 21 rrbm gagemem with theclutch 2t" To vperform Ithe gfian g ribbing-operation, the operator places the" preformed pafiel, as shown ih Fig: 1, uponthe-d'ie blocks 2 -witl'i the metal-race of the fielfigedseot'iohs d o'figh'e panel restih'g upon? the it top surfaces 5 or the die members, ahd wih'vithe panelproperiy registered bjmheahs of the aim t'elfr'ieirits I 2 projecting dgiwsraiyrebmt e q mess; The operator then steps o'n'the row-sadneof'fthe foot lever 1'26; thereby Withdrawing theico'n'trolibolt l2! fr'oi'n engagement withthe clutch I25." The drivewheel iii'th'n will" rotate the Carri shaft l '10 one complte revolution, the perator removing ms foot rom the foot p'ad' I ZBL'sQ that, t e coritrol'bolt mlwil'l manipulate the clutch -2u so as'to disengage the drive wheel no from the cam sHaft HF'Whe'rithe CeJIii-sh'tft' 'l 'l a ha made one 'com- 'plete' revolution It will be rib ied that the frictioh brake m; also erves to immediately halt rota n the clutch-i2fl'disengagesthe cam shgi HB fro'rrithe-dri'ile'wheel lI31 Dunn'gtiie ihitial lso rotation or the cam short" N0; the pi s't0 n s 1 L5 attachedthereto ihoves fth'e press do'wfiwardlil, and moves downwardly to exert prssureofi the ehterr-s'ectioii c of the mg the panel downwardly into the fifiihg.."surfces 1' of the '11 efianges oi'the pan'ei take the surfaces To'f'th dieihember's "and'th'e" medmemreomer section is simultan ously: folded inwera1 1- to form a remror'c gqrib as ent section. a of the panel is riven downwardfif I /the pressure block 5:). when the 1o'wrsurfceofthe center section of the" paser'res rles' the bra" k' lii'ie l 'of' the die me ers, ie'riahgmg am fig of the panel is pieteo, and-the tred erids d of'theflenged sCtiOfiS d or the bi-S' sheet halve grassed firmly against themetal rib 'we'dged'thiebet'wee'fi; It isprerembie to cut off the outer end of: 'ecorrier metal m ort e pariel to be formed, as "indicated in Figs; 1 a-h'd 2; so that when the rib foifjiiiati'ofiis completed, aS'shoWn in Fig. 5; no psrmrhre metal corner rib will project above the top edg'ofthe ises flanges The Outer esy-ofitrreeorrrer I'het'ai may be cut off' alorig awstraight r eor' siich' OtLier'sIiEtpedIiiie, as will 'corherl metal projecting .from the the siiift' HWcohtiriues its complete r'e' vo'lfifidii' tr e 's'lid freth'ie I thereof -is raised, which raises the press re block 50 ehd'relieves the pressure thefcfi er section mettle panel; TheIfiEifigdafidJibhed anel's willlthenspring [its seated position within the the-die members, andthe fin- I efidjrikibed panel can then bere;- I'fibigd arid-L a otheh prepared panei placed in position over the! die Yahoo-ks The entire flangin-g ahd ribhing-- operation can be performed: on a preporedpanelby. ITIGBJHSP of the machine and attachments above described K a matter 'of a fewsee end s I r By the; use ofthe method andmechanisms above described}prepared metal clad panels? can be flanged and ribbed with precision and accuracy at high production speed by relatively untrained operators. Several hundred panels may be flanged and ribbed per hour by a single operator without reliance upon skilled craftsmanship to insure neat and accurate workmanship. It will be appreciated that polygonal metal clad panels presenting any desired number of corners may be flanged and ribbed by the employment of a die block for each corner to be ribbed, properly spaced to receive the flanged panel therebetween. Flanges can be formed of any desired depth or inclination by providing die members having forming surfaces 1 of a corresponding depth and shape,

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: l

l. A machine for flanging and ribbing: metal clad panels of the type which comprises a base sheet bonded to a metal sheet, a corner of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed corner metal having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including a die block having a pair of angularly extending wing sections, said wing sections presenting downwardly inclined. flange forming faces meeting in a corner shaped to conform to the contour of the adjacent flanges and corner of the completed flanged panel to be formed, said wing sections presenting a substantially vertical Tiser face extending downwardly from the lower edge of each of said flange forming faces, and pressure means including a pressure block having its marginal edges confined within the main center section of the panel operative to drive said panel flanges into shapin contact with the forming faces of saiddie block whereby said die block operates to shape said flanges and bend the corner metal inwardly to form a corner reinforcing rib wedged between the adjacent ends of the formed panel flanges.

2. A machine for fianging and ribbing metal clad panels of the type which comprises a base sheet bonded to a metal sheet, each corner of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed corner metal having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including a plurality of die blocks arranged in spaced relation at the respective corners of the flanged panels to be formed, each of said die blocks havinga pair of angularly extending wing sections presenting downwardly inclined flange forming faces meeting i an unbroken corner shaped to conform to the contour of the adjacent flanges and corner of the completed flanged panel to be formed, each ofsaid wing sections presenting a substantially vertical riser face extendingdownwardly from the lower edge of each of said flange forming faces, a pressure block adapted to seat on the center section of the panel, said pressure block having the marginal edges thereof wholly confined within the marginal edges of said center section and out of contact with the inside faces of the panel corner during the forming operation, and pressure applying means for driving said panel into the space de fined by the forming faces of said die blocks whereby said die-blocks operate to shape said flanges and bend, theexposed icorner metal inwardly to form corner reinforcing ribs wedged between the adjacent ends of-the formed panel flanges. N l

3. The methodof making a flanged metal clad panel formed from a base sheet and aflexible metal sheet havingla main centersection, flange forming sections and; a triangular shaped segment removed from a corner of the base sheet to define the adjacent ends of the flanged sections thereof, the unbroken exposed corner of the metal sheet beingcrimped, the steps which include forcin the panel into a forming die to shape the flanges thereof and fold the crimped corner metal into a ribbed formation extending inwardly between-the adjacent ends of theflanjged sections of the base sheet, said flangeforming and rib forming operation being accomplished, by applying pressure to theinsideface of the centerfsection of the panel and without the {application of pressure to the inside faces. of theflan'ge sections thereof.

,4. The method of making] a flanged metal clad panel formed from a base sheet. and a flexible metal sheet having a main center section, flange forming sections and triangular shaped segments removedfrom thefcorners of the base sheet to de fine, the. adjacent, ends of "the flanged sections thereof, the unbroken exposed, corners of the metal sheetjb'ein-g crimped, thesteps .which inelude forcing the panel intoforming dies to form the flangesand fold the crimpedcorner metal into ribber formations extendin inwardly between the adjacent ends of the flanged sections of the base sheet, said. flange, forming and rib forming operation being accomplished by applyingpressure to the inside face of the center section of the panel only, and withoutlthe application of contact pressure, tothe inside faces, of the flange sections or tothe outside face of the main center section, of the panel during the forming operaremoved from the corner of the base sheet to define the adjacent endsfof the flanged sections thereof, the metal sheet having converging crimpforming fold lines inthe exposed corner of the metal sheet said method including forcing thepane1 flanges and corner into shaping contact with a forming die whereby the, forming faces of the die will shape the flanges of thepanel and cause the crimped metal corner to collapse and form an inturned reinforcingrib wedged between the adjacent ends of the flange sectionsof the base sheet, said flangeformingandrib forming operation being accomplished by. applying pressure to the side face of the center section of the panel only, and without thefapplication of contact pressure to theinside faces of the flange sections thereof.

6. The methodjof making aflanged metal clad panel formed from a baselsheet and a flexible metal sheet having grooves cutin the base sheet to define the mainsection and flange sections thereof andhaving triangular shaped segments removed from the lcornersfof thebase sheet to define the adjacent ends of the flanged sections thereof, the metal sheet, having converging crimpforming foldrlines in theexposed cornersfof. the metal sheet saidmethod including forcing said anel @into a restricted areadeflned by the forming faces of spaceddies positioned at the porners of the flanged panelwto beformed, whereby. the forming faces of said diesyvill shape the flanges of the panel'and cause eachor saidcrimped metal corners to collapse and form an mturnedreiforcing :rib wedged between :the adjacent ends of the flangesectionsofthebase'sheeti saidflange forming and rib' forming" operatiowbeing-accomplished by applyingpre'ssure to the lnsidaface of the center section-"of 'the panelonly, .and without the application of contactpreSsure" tothe inside faces of' theflange' sectionsior-toftheouts'ide face of said' center sectionidur-ing the forming-operation; p

7. A machine forifiangirig and ribbing metal clad; panelsof'the 'type whichcomprisesafibrous base sheethavinga metalsurfacingtsheet bonded thereto, thejoase sheet'having'grooves cut therein forming a main section and flange :forining sections, 'a' corner of the :b'a'se sheet-being: notched to define the ends. .ofthefflanges:tWbetformed with the exposedicorner metal"having preform-ed fold defining lines therein; said machinefiincluding in combination, "a? die-block presenting a downwardly inclined flange shaping? fac'e and' an intermediate corner shaping faceypresenting "together' a substantially, continuous andunbroken shaping surface, said die -block and presenting a substantially: vertical riserface'extending-below said shaping surface; midi-pressure" means: for exerting *pressureiagainst the main section'ofthe paneljto force the; panefinto' the confines ofsaid die-block and substantially" simultaneously force the met'alicorner section and the metal faces of the flange sections into'formin'g contact withthe shaping surface of" said; -die=block"wherehy the metal corner" section isfformed' mm ani'inwardly extending zplural-plyrib v've'dged between the ad; iacent ends' off the flange; sections" Of'the" base sheet. t

"8. A machine for hanging" and 'ribbingmet'al clad panels. of a type which comprises a fibrous base sheet having, ame'tal surfacing. sheet Joonded thereto, the basesheet havihgi rooves cut therein forming a main'section. andflange' forming sections,.a corner ofithe base zsheet'beingznotched to define the .ends of the flanges" to .be formed with the exposed cornerl metal having preformed" fold defining lineslthercin, said" machine including; in combination; aidie blockihavingj downwardly in: clined flange shaping'lfaces, a ,corne'rshaping face and-substantially: vertical, riser 'f'ac'es' extending downwardly from th'e'flower 11216 of" said flange shaping'faces and. corner. 'shapingjface; iandipressure meansincludingapressure' block for exerting downward-pressure against the main section Ofilhe Panel'to'force the, panel. into the confines oi said'die'eblock and substantially simultaneously force the metal. cornersectionandthe metalfaces of f the flange ,sectionsiinto forming'pontact with theshaping surface; ofzsaid 'dieeblo'ck whereby the metal corners section. is formed; into an; inwardly extending plural-ply rib wedged'between adjacent ends oftherflange sections of the base sheet; said pressure. block havinggits peripheral edges substantially' out of; contactlwith'ithei inside; faces of said. flange sections durin'glthe'fshapin'goperation.

'9. A machinefor. hanging) and ribbing metal clad panelsof'a type which omnprisesacomposi tion base sheet having a; metal surfacing sheet bonded thereto; the basesheethaving" groovescut therein forminga main'oenter' sect-ion a-ndflange forming sections;- the" corners or thebase sheet being notched to-deflne the ends-of 'theflanges to be formed exposed metaPcer-ners having preformed fold deflning linesth'erein; said machine including in combination, -a-iplura=lity of die-block's arranged in spaee- :eiaaensrup to re- 12 ceive the panel therebet-ween, sa'iddie-blocks havingdownwardly inclined shaping faces for shaping the metal corner sections-into inwardly extendingribs and for shaping the flanges to extend at a predetermined angle to the center section of the panel, said die-blocks each presenting substantially vertical riser faces extending downwardly from the lower edge of the inclined shaping faces with thearea defined by said riser faces being sufficient to receive and contain the main center section of the panel, and pressure means for applyingpressure to the center section of the panel to forcethe panel into the space defined by the shaping faces of said die-blocks and substantially simultaneously force the metal corner sections and the metal faces of the flange sections into forming contactwith the shaping faces of said die-blocks whereby the metal corner sections are forced inwardly to form inwardly extending plural-ply corner ribs-wedged between adjacent ends of the flange sections of the base sheet during shaping of said flange sections. o

10. A machine for flanging and ribbing metal clad panels-of the type which comprises a composition base sheet having a metal surfacing sheet bonded thereto, the base sheet having grooves out therein defining a main section andflange forming sections, the corners of the base sheet being notched to define the end of the flanges to be formed with the exposed metal corners having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including in combination, a plurality of corner and flange shaping die-blocks arranged in fixed space relation, said die-blocks having downwardly inclined shaping faces which together define the outer contour and shape of the corner sections and flange sections of the panel to be formed, said die-blocksdeflning a cavityspace below the lower edge of the shaping faces of suflicient area to receive the center section of the panel to be formed, and pressure means for forcin said panel into the space defined by the shaping faces of said die-block whereby said metal corners are formed into inwardly extending plural-ply ribs wedged betweenthe adjacent ends of the formed flange sections of the base sheet.

11. A machine for flanging and ribbing metal clad panels of atype which comprises a composition base sheet having a metal surfacing sheet bondedthereto, the base sheet having grooves cut'therein defining amain section and flange forming sections, the corners of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed metal corners having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including in combination, a relatively stationary base plate, a plurality of corner and flange shaping die-blocks fixed, to said base plate in spaced relation,,said die-blocks having downwardly inclined shaping faces and substantially vertical riser faces extending from the lower edge of said shaping faces to said base plate, said shaping faces together defining the outer contour and shape ofthe corner sections and flange sec tions of the panel to be formed, and pressure means for-forcing said panel into the space defined by the shaping faces of said die-blocks whereby said metal corners are formed'into inwardly extending plural-ply ribs wedged between the adjacent ends of the adjacent flangesections of the base'sheet, said pressure means including a pressure block having its periphery confined within the margins of .thecenter section of the panel and normallyoutofcontact with the inside 13 faces of the flange sections during the flanging operation.

12. A machine for flanging and ribbing metal clad panels of a type which comprises a composition base sheet having a metal surfacing sheet bonded thereto, the base sheet having grooves cut therein defining a main section and flange forming sections, the corners of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed metal corners having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including in combination, a relatively sta tionary base plate, a plurality of corner and flange shaping die blocks fixed to said base plate in spaced relation, said die-blocks having downwardly inclined shaping faces and substantially vertical riser faces extending from the lower edge of said shaping faces to said base plate, said shaping faces together defining the outer contour and shape of the corner sections and flange sections of the panel to be formed, and pressure means including a pressure block for applying pressure to the main center section of said panel operative to force the panel into the space defined by the shaping faces of said die-blocks whereby said metal corners are formed into inwardly extending plural-ply ribs wedged between the adjacent ends of the formed flange sections of the base sheet, said pressure block having its periphery confined within the margins of said center section of the panel and normally out of contact with the inside faces of the flange sections during the flanging operation, the riser faces of said die-blocks defining a cavity suiflcient in size to receive the main section of the panel to be formed.

13. A machine for flanging and ribbing metal clad panels of a type which comprises a base sheet bonded to a metal sheet, the base sheet having grooves cut therein forming a main center section and flange forming sections, the corners of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed metal corners having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including a plurality of die-blocks arranged in spaced relation at the respective corners of the flanged panel to be formed, each of said die-blocks having a corner section and angularly extending wing sections, said corner section and wing sections having a downwardly inclined corner forming face and a downwardly inclined flange forming face shaped to conform to the contour of the panel corner and panel flanges to be formed, each of said dieblocks also presenting substantially vertical riser faces extending downwardly from the lower edge of said flange forming faces, said die-blocks being so positioned and arranged that the forming faces thereof together define the contour of the panel flanges to be formed and the vertical faces thereof define-the contour of the main center section to be formed, a pressure block adapted to seat on the center section of the panel and out of contact with the inside faces of the flange sections thereof and pressure applying means for manipulating said pressure block to drive said panel into the space defined by the forming faces of said dieblocks whereby said forming faces of said dieblocks operate to shape the flanges of the panel and shape said metal corner sections into inwardly extending plural ply ribs wedged between the adjacent ends of the flange sections of the base sheet.

14. A machine for flanging and ribbing metal clad panels of the type which comprises a base sheet bonded, to a metal sheet, the base sheet having grooves cut therein forming a main center section and flange forming sections, the corners of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed metal corners having preformed fold defining iines therein, said machine including, a plurality die-blocks arranged in spaced relation at the respective corners of the flanged panel to be formed, each of said die-blocks having a pair of angular extending wing sections presenting a corner forming face and flange forming faces shaped to conform to-the contour of the panel corners and adjacent flanges to be formed, said die-blocks being so positioned and arranged that the forming faces thereof together define the contour of all of the panel corners and flanges to be formed, a pressure block adapted to seat on the center section of the panel and out of contact with the inside faces of the panel corners during the forming operation, and means for applying pressure to said pressure block to drive said panel into the space defined by the forming faces of said die-blocks whereby said die-blocks operate to shape the panel flanges and bend the excess metal at the corners of the panel inwardly to form inwardly extending plural ply ribs wedged between the adjacent ends of the adjacent flange sections of the base sheet.

15. A machine for flanging and ribbing metal clad panels of the type which comprises a base bonded to a metal sheet, the base sheet having grooves cut therein forming a main center section and flange forming sections, the corner of the base sheet being notched to define the ends of the flanges to be formed with the exposed corner metal having preformed fold defining lines therein, said machine including a die-block having angular extending wing sections presenting a earner forming face and adjacent flange forming faces shaped to conform to the contour of the panel corner and adjacent flanges to be formed, a pressure block adapted to seat on the center section of the panel and out of contact with the inside faces of the panel corners during the forming operation, and means for applying pressure to said pressure block to drive said panel into shaping contact with the forming faces of said die-block whereby said die-block operates to shape the panel flanges and bend the excess metal at the corner of the panel inwardly to form a corner reinforcing rib wedged between the adjacent ends of the flange sections of the base sheet.

GLENN H. NORQUIST.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 179,293 Martyn June 27, 1876 67,109 Goddin et al July 23, 1867 271,388 Williams et al. Jan. 30, 1883 972,113 Katzinger 'Oct. 4, 1910 2,256,272 Batcheller Sept. 16, 1941 2,284,254 Batcheller May 26, 1942 

